“As the VP of a growing technology/manufacturing company, I am pulled in a lot of directions where everything seems to be urgent, but not always important, and it’s easy to lose sight of my personal and professional development.

The big value that Kathy brings is making me think about being an executive - unfrazzled, above the fray, distinguished - in the midst of pushing hard to get things done. She serves as my sounding board…we talk through challenges; she gives me a different perspective; holds me accountable; and most importantly she tells me the truth in a way I can hear it. I value our partnership. ”

“Kathy has worked with our organization from top to bottom for the last several years. She has been instrumental in helping to guide and shape everything from our strategic vision to sharpening our skills as a team to perform at a higher level.

Kathy doesn’t just stand there and hold a mirror in front of you; she is a true coach who invests the time and her years of expertise to pull out the best of your potential for the greater good of the organization. I wouldn’t make a final mission-critical team decision without input from Kathy. ”

“I have worked with Kathy for several years and her insight and expertise was invaluable to me as I transitioned into executive management. I relied quite a bit on her expertise in developing strategic plans for the organization.

I particularly value being able to bounce things off of her and how she was helps me think through issues without emotion, and then develop a strategy to effectively manage these issues. She has helped me grow both personally and professionally. ”

“Going into coaching, I was prepared to face some hard truths about myself professionally. I had no idea how enlightening this would be for me personally also. Those two worlds are so closely linked and are now both benefiting from my time with Kathy.

From our very first meeting, I knew Kathy would be an integral force in my life. She continues to be so even after our coaching has ended, and I will be forever indebted to her. ”

“Kathy facilitated the implementation of our organization's Leadership Development Program five years ago. Her talent and insight helped steer us in the right direction and led to the realization of a successful, long-term program that continues to produce insurmountable benefits. ”

Executive Coaching

Every organization has its own culture and rhythm. It has pressures, constraints, huge goals and a diverse group of individuals who need to work together to make magic happen. Leaders in those organizations have a tremendous responsibility to themselves and to those they lead to continually refine their skills and evolve. What works in one company, at one point in time, with one set of employees or challenges, does not necessarily translate to new opportunities in changing times.

Coaching offers these “leaders of leaders” the opportunity to better understand the challenges they are facing and to break through their old thinking and habits so they can evolve in a sustainable and evolutionary way.

How it works

A typical executive coaching relationship begins with a half-day, in-person session at your office to get to acquainted and set goals. After the initial session, coaching continues for two to three hours per month.

The length of the engagement depends upon your goals for coaching. Think of coaching as a process. Many people create change for themselves in a short time, but to refine and sustain the changes takes several months, which is why a commitment of a minimum of six months of coaching is recommended and necessary.

Oftentimes, especially at the executive level, it is helpful to get 360 feedback from direct reports and peers to help identify and fine-tune leadership behaviors. I offer a confidential 360 interview process that is customized to your needs.

Choosing a coach

Finally, one of the most critical parts of the coaching relationship is the rapport between the coach and the client. It’s a very special relationship and it is important to have a comfort level for both parties.. For that reason, I offer a complimentary coaching session so that you can get a sense of how it feels to be coached, and we can both determine if we would be a good match. To schedule, either email me at kathy@kbyoung.net or call me at 540-977-3755.